Preparations underway for Rody's birthday, Kitty to visit

Vice President Sara Duterte on 24 March provided updates on the condition of her father, former president Rodrigo Duterte, currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands. She also discussed preparations for his upcoming 80th birthday on 28 March.

Speaking to supporters and the media, the vice president described the daily restrictions her father faces, including limitations on food and visitation.

“He’s not allowed to receive outside food, but he can cook for himself,” she said in Filipino. “I told him, ‘Papa, just cook for yourself.’ He said, ‘I cannot even boil water.’”

Only detainees are allowed to prepare their meals, preventing her from cooking for him, she added.

When asked what message he wanted to share with supporters, Duterte responded: “My message is this: If you are angry, you are allowed to say almost anything and that is okay.”

The former president’s 80th birthday will be observed through informal gatherings, according to the vice president.

“I suggested we all just have our own little picnics instead of holding a formal event to avoid asking for permits,” she said. “It won’t be a rally, not a protest — just a birthday picnic.”

Duterte is expecting visits from his youngest daughter, Veronica, nicknamed Kitty, and her mother on 28 March, but visitation remains limited.

“He is only allowed two visits a day — one from a lawyer and one from family,” VP Duterte said.

She also shared a conversation with her father about possibly writing a book while in detention. “I told him, ‘You should write a book and when you get out, we’ll sell it and make money.’ He replied, ‘I’m too old to write a book.’” She then reminded him of national hero José Rizal, to which he replied, “How old was Rizal? 80?”